Produced roughly between 1942 and 1944, Oak Leaf Pattern A (Eichenlaubmuster) was used by the Waffen-SS as an overgarment for their standard uniforms, which was at the time a cutting-edge application of disruptive patterns in regulation-issue equipment; many of the principles developed for SS-issued camouflage gear are still applied to modern uniform construction and the issue of wardrobe in patterns designed to obscure recognition of a human form. Each side is printed in three colors to make a series of rounded irregular shapes with tinted "ring" borders set on a flat brown background to give the impression of oak leaves set against a tree trunk or root, with a "spring/summer" side showing green and black shapes and an "autumn" side showing burnt orange and black shapes. Both sides are fitted with a series of stitched on matching colored tabs for mounting native foliage for increased concealment, with a green cord to secure the neck, self-adjusting elastic cuffs and waistband, and a set of reversible pockets with camouflage flaps and steel buttons. The pockets themselves are constructed from gray herringbone twill fabric, and no visible maker's marks are present. Similar examples pictured and described in the Book "Camoflage Uniforms of the Waffen-SS" by Beaver. Provenance: Michael Beaver

Very good, showing minimal stains and wear overall. The camouflage pattern is strong throughout, with a few small areas of faded dye, some rust on the pocket buttons, and a small spot of residue (possibly scotch tape) on the right "spring" side pocket. A rare piece of Waffen-SS field equipment, often used and abused in harsh combat conditions and difficult to find in any state, let alone as clean as this smock.